Abstract
This paper evaluates the efficiency of national science systems using a Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) framework based on selected input- and output-related sub-indicators from the Global Innovation Index (GII). It analyzes how effectively chosen 34 countries convert scientific and institutional resources into measurable knowledge outcomes, utilizing six input indicators (institutional quality, education, tertiary skills, R&D investment, and ICT infrastructure) and three output indicators (knowledge creation, impact, and diffusion). The country sample includes Armenia's structural peers, extended regional comparators, and global innovation leaders.
The results reveal significant efficiency disparities, with innovation-frontier countries such as Switzerland, Sweden, Singapore, and Estonia achieving full efficiency due to strong institutions and sustained R&D investment. In contrast, transition economies demonstrate lower efficiency levels, primarily due to insufficient innovation inputs rather than weak output generation. Armenia scores 0.832, ranking high among post-Soviet peers but below global leaders. While it shows strong knowledge outputs relative to its resources, structural weaknesses, including low R&D expenditure, restrict further progress. Benchmarking identifies Slovenia, Estonia, and Switzerland as reference models. The findings highlight the need to expand R&D funding, strengthen institutional capacity, and enhance commercialization mechanisms to advance Armenia towards the global efficiency frontier.
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